Judy Wheat

With heavy hearts we will gather to honor the remarkable life of Judy Wheat — a devoted wife, loving mother, treasured grandmother and great-grandmother, faithful friend, and a tireless servant of the Baytown community. Judy passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, at the age of 84, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, leadership, and lifelong service.

Judy was born on January 26, 1941, and spent her entire life in the city she loved — Baytown, Texas. She was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and worked for Lyondell Citgo, retiring after 37 years of service. With her heart rooted in faith, family, and community, Judy believed in the power of showing up, giving back, and treating every person with kindness and respect.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe H. Wheat Jr., with whom she shared a marriage grounded in love, travel, humor, and service to others. Together, they raised a beautiful family and modeled what it meant to live a life with purpose and compassion.

Judy’s greatest joy came from her family. She was a mother who led with patience, strength, and unwavering love — a constant guiding light to her children:

Kelly Butler & husband John

Terry Gene Englert and wife Sonya

Gary Englert and wife Diane

Tanya Graham and late husband Wayne

Trina Saunders and husband Milton

Terri Jo Wheat

She was a proud grandmother, lovingly known as “Nana,” to her grandchildren: Adriana, Brian, Jeremy, Drea, Heather, Ashley, Stephen, Zakery, Casey, Taylor, Beth, Jason, Marti Rachel, Brandon, Lauren, Jason, Seth, Candace, John, Jet, and Kelly

And Nana was deeply adored by her great & great-great grandchildren, who brought her endless smiles and hugs:

Hagen, Riley, Crey, Braden, Kiley, Karlee, Kirstyn, Addison, Brock, Cadence, Jakson, Wyatt, Olivia, Benjamin, Jonathan, Bruce, Elliot, Graham, Poppy, Raleigh, Jolie, Adyson, Emersyn, Ben, Sophia, Christopher, Coraline, Brixxyn, Huxstyn, Kynsli, and Stetson

Her love for her family was immeasurable. Whether it was holidays, sports games, graduations, dance recitals, or afternoons sitting and chatting — Judy never missed a moment to celebrate her family. Her famous words “y’all come see me baby”.

Judy’s love extended far beyond her home — into nearly every corner of Baytown. Her fingerprints are on some of the city’s most meaningful programs, beautification efforts, senior outreach projects, and civic events.

She gave her time and talents generously to many organizations, including:

The Pilot Club of Baytown – A tireless member who poured herself into Alzheimer’s awareness, fundraising events, scholarships, and local outreach. Judy proudly coordinated and walked in the Annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk for many years, even helping organize team sponsorships and raffles.

Lee College Foundation – A dedicated board member, Judy supported scholarships and student success. Her service helped guide the Foundation’s mission to support students and raise millions in scholarship funds.

Robert E Lee Class of 1959 – Judy was a member of the organizing committee for her annual high school class reunion. She played a cherished role in helping organize the Robert E. Lee High School Class of 1959 reunions, keeping classmates connected through the year.

Historic Goose Creek Association – Judy was a co-chair and leading force behind the beloved “Christmas on Texas Avenue” celebration, bringing holiday joy, music, and cheer to thousands of families and small businesses downtown.

Baytown Beautification Advisory Committee – Appointed to help guide the City’s public art and landscaping efforts, Judy lent her voice and vision to making Baytown beautiful, one flowerbed and mural at a time.

Bay Area Women’s Center, Sheltering Arms, and Project Graduation – Through her work with the Pilot Club and other committees, Judy was always ready to help where help was needed — whether it was coordinating a scholarship fundraiser or preparing meals for women in crisis.

Sterling Municipal Library’s Literacy Initiative – Judy championed literacy and education, participating in programs that encouraged reading across generations.

Sinclair Arco Senior Center – Where she served on the board and organized monthly bingo, socials, and seasonal luncheons, bringing connection and joy to seniors across the city.

2020 Baytown Citizen of the Year – Honored for her exceptional civic leadership and volunteerism.

2023 ExxonMobil Refiner of the Year– Recognized by ExxonMobil for her dedication and commitment to community service to the Baytown area.

Houston Methodist Society of Leading Medicine – A respected member of this prestigious group.

Houston Methodist Women’s Advisory Group – Contributed to advancing women’s roles and voices in healthcare through this advisory capacity.

Goose Creek Country Club Ladies Association – former active member and organizer, fostering community and camaraderie.

Greater Baytown Service Organization Network – Participated in collaborative civic projects, amplifying local impact through coordinated volunteer efforts.

Trinity Episcopal Church – A faithful and active member, contributing time, talent, and spiritual stewardship.

Country Club Oaks Garden Club – Serving in many capacities including her current position as treasurer.

Active member of the Thursday Book Review Club hosting many meetings at her home.

To those who knew her, Judy was not just a volunteer — she was a doer, a builder, a listener, and a leader. She showed up with a smile and stayed until the work was done.

Judy’s life was a living testimony to grace, generosity, and faith. She didn’t seek recognition — but she earned the admiration of all who worked beside her. Her hands were never idle, her heart was never closed, and her spirit was never dimmed. She made strangers feel like family. She welcomed newcomers, comforted the grieving, laughed wholeheartedly, and always had room at her table and in her heart. Judy’s life exemplified how one person’s dedication can ripple outward and change lives. Thousands across the world were touched by her efforts to educate, enrich, and unite.

Though we feel the deep sorrow of her absence, we also feel the profound joy of knowing Judy Wheat — and of having been loved by her.

Let us all embrace one last lesson from Judy

Live generously - give your time and your heart.

Celebrate others - in all stages of life.

Serve with humility, and let your actions speak louder than your words.

Love with every ounce of your being.

Judy’s journey reminds us that a fulfilled life is measured not by what we receive, but by what we give. And today, we recommit to carrying forward that spirit of selfless service.

As we say goodbye, we hold tight to Judy’s memory — a woman of deep faith, fierce love, and unshakable service. May we continue her legacy by living with open hands, open hearts, and the joy she carried so freely.

In lieu of flowers, please join the family in honoring Judy’s legacy by donating to the Lee College Foundation – “Judy Wheat Scholarship Fund”, which will support future generations in her name.

https://www.lee.edu/foundation/donate/named-scholarships/index.php

We love you, Mom, Nana, Judy. Your life was a gift—one we will treasure forever. May you rest in peace, reunited with family and with the knowledge that your light continues to shine across Baytown and beyond.

Pallbearers: Zakery Regian, Seth Regian, Taylor Englert, Jason Saunders, Stephen Dugat, Brian Cramer, and Brandon Pizzino